We pride ourselves in being unbiased gear experts. Learn more about how we research, expertly review and curate products here.
There are so many baby items out there. So naturally, it can be stressful to choose the best baby gear for your family and budget—especially when you’re forced to choose between two great products like the 4moms MamaRoo vs. the RockaRoo. The two products look almost identical, but there are subtle, yet important, differences. For starters, the MamaRoo4 is technically a baby swing, while the RockaRoo is a baby rocker.
So how do you know which one is better for your little one? Since price alone doesn’t tell the full story, we asked our baby gear experts to compare the MamaRoo4 vs. the RockaRoo so you can make an informed decision.
Main Difference Between the MamaRoo and RockaRoo
At first glance, you might mistake the RockaRoo and the MamaRoo for the same item, but the two products have varying functionalities. While both are meant to help soothe baby, the main difference between a MamaRoo and a RockaRoo is that the MamaRoo is a baby swing and the RockaRoo is a baby rocker.
What exactly does that mean? The MamaRoo swings in five different motions, while the RockaRoo simply swings side to side the way a rocker might. But despite the RockaRoo’s lack of features compared to the MamaRoo, it’s the more budget-friendly option. Let’s dive into each product as well as important features and differences to keep in mind.
4moms MamaRoo4: Pros and Cons
- Retail Price Range: $239.99
- GoodBuy Gear Price Range: $56 - $125
- Avg. Seller Payout: $56
- Age Range: Approximately 9 months (once baby attempts to climb out)
- Weight Limit: Up to 25 pounds
The MamaRoo4 is the more popular of the two products due to its advanced features.The MamaRoo4 moves up and down and side to side, just like a parent would. It has a dual-axis coordinated motion platform that allows it to mimic the same motions of parents comforting their babies. It has five different parent-inspired motions and five different speed options to choose from. What’s more, you can recline the seat anywhere on the central rail—whatever is most comfortable for your little one.
The MamaRoo4 also functions as a sound machine. It has four sounds: rain, waves, soft music and white noise. If you want to play your own music for baby, you can use an aux cord. The newest model of the MamaRoo has Bluetooth functionality so you can play your own music—like lullabies on Spotify (this is one of our favorites). Simply pair the swing to your phone. Once paired, you can even control the movements and speeds, too.
Parents like this flexibility, because all babies are different and respond to different soothing methods. With this swing, you’ll be better equipped to experiment and see what works best for your own child.
The MamaRoo4 may look a bit like a spaceship, but it’s purposefully designed this way. The swing has a much smaller footprint than other baby swings, since it doesn’t hang from a big frame—ideal for those who live in smaller spaces, like apartments.
Overall, the MamaRoo4 is an incredibly popular baby swing—and rightfully so. It has a lot to offer. But it’s worth noting: This swing is definitely an expense, and not all babies take to it. We recommend buying secondhand to save money. Plus, you can always sell it back to us if your little one ends up not liking it.
Best for: Families who want all the bells and whistles
Pros
- Multiple motions and speeds
- Functions as a sound machine
- Machine-washable fabrics
Cons
- Expensive
MamaRoo Alternatives: Our GBG Picks
What Our Team Thinks:
“The MamaRoo4 is a great option for parents looking for a swing-like option that has a small footprint compared to traditional swings on the market. A major plus is the variety of options to choose from including “sway” which is a naturally soothing motion that’s totally unique to MamaRoo. It also comes with white noise and and multiple recline positions, so finding what your baby needs and likes on any given day is limitless!” — Megan Larsen, In-House Gear Expert
4moms RockaRoo: Pros and Cons
- Retail Price Range: $159.99
- GoodBuy Gear Price Range: $49.99 - $99.99
- Avg. Seller Payout: $20
- Age Range: Approximately 7 months (once baby attempts to climb out or can sit up unassisted)
- Weight Limit: Up to 20 pounds
The RockaRoo looks very similar to the MamaRoo, but is a bit more limited in functionality. As a baby rocker, the RockaRoo only moves in one direction: in a front-to-back rocking motion. This soothes your little one the same way you might when comforting them in your nursery glider or rocking chair.
Although the RockaRoo only operates in one motion, it does have five different ranges of motions. This means the range of the rock varies, so you can find what your little on likes best. But that’s where the functionality ends. The rocker doesn’t have any built-in sound, is not Bluetooth-enabled and doesn’t recline.
On the plus side, the RockaRoo is a bit smaller than the MamaRoo4. It’s also a bit lighter, making it a great option for those looking for a portable, space-saving baby swing. Additionally, it’s about half the price—an important factor if budget is a concern.
Best for: Price conscious families
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Five ranges of motion
- Smaller and lighter
- Machine-washable fabrics
Cons
- Limited movements
- No sounds
- Doesn’t recline
RockaRoo Alternatives: Our GBG Picks
- Ingenuity Soothe ‘n Delight Baby Swing
- Dream on Me Rock With Me 2-in-1 Rocker
- Fisher Price Rock With Me Bassinet
What Our Team Thinks:
“The 4moms RockaRoo has an even smaller footprint than the MamaRoo4 and has fewer options to choose from as far as motions and music. BUT, the patented design in the automated “rocking” motion is concentrated near baby’s head vs feet, like traditional swings. A lightbulb goes off when you envision your baby in utero ;) The makers of the RockaRoo clearly thought about an infant and the best techniques to soothe your baby. Another plus: the RockaRoo is even less expensive than the MamaRoo and has rave reviews!” — Megan Larsen, In-House Gear Expert
MamaRoo vs. RockaRoo: Comparison Chart
| MamaRoo4 | RockaRoo | |
| Retail Price | $239.99 | $159.99 |
| GoodBuy Gear Price | $56-$125 | $50 - $100 |
| Weight | 15lbs | 11.5lbs |
| Dimensions/Size | 26.25" x 23.5" x 35.5" | 29.6" x 16.5" x 27.5" |
| Age/Weight Requirements | Max of 25lbs | Max of 20lbs |
| Movement | 5 swing motions | 1 motion |
| Product Type | Bouncer, swing | Rocker |
Price Comparison
Though the two products look similar, the RockaRoo is significantly less expensive than the MamaRoo. A brand new MamaRoo4 is just shy of $250, while a new RockaRoo runs about $160. Just note: Though more expensive, the MamaRoo provides a better overall value, since the functionality is superior.
Winner: RockaRoo
Weight Comparison
The MamaRoo and the RockaRoo are both relatively lightweight baby products, but the RockaRoo weighs less than the MamaRoo. The RockaRoo weighs 11.5 pounds; the MamaRoo weighs 15 pounds.
Winner: RockaRoo
Size Comparison
Both the MamaRoo and the RockaRoo are smaller than most traditional baby swings, since they don’t hang from a large frame or support system. But if space is a real concern, the RockaRoo is ultimately a bit smaller than the MamaRoo. The RockaRoo is 3 inches longer than the MamaRoo, but 7 inches slimmer and 8 inches lower. It’s about ⅓ of the size of traditional baby swings.
While both are suitable for small spaces, the RockaRoo may be a bit better for your family if size and portability are your main focus.
Winner: RockaRoo
Age/Weight Range Comparison
The RockaRoo and the MamaRoo both have relatively short lifespans. Most children will outgrow these products between 7-9 months, at most. With both products, you'll need to discontinue use once your child can sit up unassisted or attempts to climb out. If longevity is a concern, it’s worth noting that the MamaRoo has a slightly higher weight capacity. As long as baby isn’t attempting to climb out, you can use the MamaRoo until baby is about 25 pounds. The weight capacity of the RockaRoo is just 20 pounds.
Winner: MamaRoo4
Swing Motions Comparison
These products both move automatically in an effort to soothe baby, but the MamaRoo4 offers more choices than the RockaRoo does. The RockaRoo only moves in a front-to-back gliding motion (with five different range options), while the MamaRoo4 has five different parent-inspired motions to choose from: car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock-a-bye and wave.
Winner: MamaRoo4
Features Comparison
If you love the idea of a feature-filled product, the MamaRoo is a better choice. The MamaRoo has five different motions, multiple speed settings, four built-in sounds and multiple recline positions. The MamaRoo also comes in three fabric options and five colors/patterns. On the other hand, the RockaRoo only moves in one direction at five different ranges. The rocker can’t be reclined and doesn’t have any built-in sounds. What’s more, the seat comes in just two fabric options.
Winner: MamaRoo4
Safety Comparison
It’s important to note that both seats are perfectly safe to use—as long as you follow the guidelines outlined in each product’s respective user manual. This means baby should never be left unattended in the swing/rocker, plus should only use the product if they meet age and weight requirements. The AAP also recommends limiting the amount of time baby is in a swing in order to prevent the baby’s soft head from becoming flat.
It’s also worth noting: Both the MamaRoo and the RockaRoo were recalled in August 2022. Make sure the product you’re using is newer and includes the improved safety strap fastener. At GoodBuy Gear, we closely monitor recall products. We sell both the MamaRoo and the RockaRoo with the strap fastener included.
Winner: Tie
Seller Payout Comparison
Because the MamaRoo offers a better overall value, it has a higher seller payout than the RockaRoo. The more your product is worth, the higher your payout will be.
Winner: MamaRoo4
RockaRoo vs. MamaRoo4: Which Is Better For You?
Overall, it’s hard to deny that the MamaRoo4 offers a better overall value. While you’ll spend more for the swing, you get a whole lot more.
Though it does have multiple ranges, the RockaRoo is a basic rocker with a single motion. The MamaRoo is pricier, but has multiple motions and varying speeds, plus lots of recline options.
Most families will like the flexibility the MamaRoo4 provides—it makes it easier to find just the right thing to soothe your baby. But families on a budget or those who live in very small spaces may gravitate toward the cheaper, smaller RockaRoo.
FAQ
What is The Price Difference Between The MamaRoo vs. RockaRoo?
The price difference between the MamaRoo vs. the RockaRoo is around $80. The MamaRoo costs around $239.99, while the RockaRoo costs around $159.99.
Can You Put a Newborn in the MamaRoo or RockaRoo?
You can put a newborn in the MamaRoo4 and the RockaRoo—as long as you follow the guidelines outlined in each product’s respective user manual. Never leave your baby unattended in either swing/rocker. And never let your child sleep in the MamaRoo or the RockaRoo. Both products also have compatible infant inserts that may make your child more comfortable in the seat during the newborn period.
Both the MamaRoo4 and the RockaRoo are great baby products that can help soothe your little one. You can’t really go wrong with either one, but if you’re comparing the MamaRoo vs. the RockaRoo in order to choose the perfect product for your family, you’ll note there are inherent differences. Overall, the MamaRoo offers a better overall value, but the RockaRoo is a solid choice for anyone who wants a budget-friendly and space-saving alternative.
